Abstract: A translator apparatus for achieving omnidirectional translation of the mandible of a human patient and having a maxillary translation plate having a maxillary mouthpiece thereon for temporarily fixing the maxillary dentition of a patient thereto. A mandibular translation plate is provided, also having a mandibular mouthpiece for temporary fixation with the mandibular dentition of the patient and the mandibular element. A translation control plate is interposed between the maxillary and mandibular translation plates and establishes linearly moveable guiding relation with elongate guide slots of both the maxillary and mandibular plates. The guide slots of the respective translation plates which may be straight or of curved configuration are arranged in 90 degree relation to permit relative omnidirectional translatory positioning and movement of the translation plates for consequent selective omnidirectional therapeutic or diagnostic positioning or movement of the mandible of a patient.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for applying heat/cold to selected target regions of the human anatomy such as the temporalis and masseter muscles and to the region of the temporo-mandibular joint of the human cranial anatomy as well as other selected regions of the human anatomy such as the shoulders, knees, etc. At least one heat/cold compliant thermal cell is defined by a rigid back having a thin and compliant membrane connected thereto and defining a chamber for containing a substantial volume of a liquid or semi-liquid such as water or a gel, at a preselected temperature. The rigid back or shell defines a circumferential rim to which the compliant membrane is secured. The compliant membrane may have a side wall portion extending in substantially contiguous relation from the rim of the rigid shell and incorporates an integral substantially planar front wall portion which establishes intimate face-to-face heat/cold transferring relation with an anatomical target region.

Abstract: An adhesive bound pad of paper such as loose leaf binder paper is provided which is secured in assembly by adhesive material, lining or partially lining holes along selected edges of the paper stack forming the pad. The edges of the paper pad remain free of adhesive material and thus are not distorted upon separation of the sheets from the pad. The adhesive bound pad is manufactured by assembling a selected number of sheets of paper into a stack and drilling or otherwise forming holes, such as binder holes, along one of the edges of the stack. Thereafter, the coating of adhesive material is applied within the holes of the stack so as to entirely coat the paper at the holes or to coat selected portions of the paper at the holes as desired. After the adhesive material has been allowed to cure or has been cured the paper is releasably retained in adhesive bound pad form and the manufacturing process is complete. Individual sheets of paper may be pulled away from the pad.

Abstract: A self-retaining staple construction is provided having a retainer bridge from which extend a pair of spaced, sharp pointed staple legs which are capable of penetrating a structure. The staple is provided with opposed inwardly directed retainer projections which permit assembly of the staple construction to an object and which retain the staple in assembly with the object. These retainer projections may be defined by resilient or rigid retainer members and may include an adhesive composition for securing the staple to an object.

Abstract: A measurement device is provided for measuring the degree of mandibular movement during therapy following maxillofacial surgery or to otherwise accomplish measurement of jaw movement. The measurement device is in the form of a flat object having a rounded end and defining a reference depression for receiving the incisal edge of the teeth of either the mandibular or maxillary arches. The measurement device includes a curved end and a slightly curved top which are provided with indicia to indicate the degree of jaw opening by comparing the location of an incisal edge with respect to the indicia. The measurement device along a straight end is provided with measurement indicia to enable effective measurement of lateral jaw movement and to accomplish measurement of movement relative to the occlusal plane of the patient's dentition.

Abstract: An exerciser is provided for application of an anatomically applied force to the jaw for pivoting of the jaw at its tempero-mandibular joint or to provide a motion to the jaw, or resistance to motion of the jaw which is beneficial in facial orthopedics. A structure is provided having curvilinear guide tracks which guide movement of a carriage according to the character of movement that is desired. The carriage is movable to thereby allow corresponding movement of a mandibular jaw member supported by the carriage relative to a maxillary jaw member supported by the exerciser body. Through suitable linkages, motion may be imparted to the carriage or resistance exerted against its motion by manual action, by a spring or by a motor. The linkage may provide for adjustment of mechanical advantage or range of motion through selection of slots or holes formed in parts of the linkage structure.

Abstract: A passive jaw exerciser is provided for application of an anatomically applied jaw moving force for pivoting of the jaw at its tempero-mandibular joint or to provide a motion to the jaw which is beneficial in facial orthopedics. A body structure is provided having guide tracks which guide movement of a carriage according to the character of movement that is desired. The carriage is movable by a lever operated push rod to thereby cause corresponding movement of a mandibular jaw piece supported by a carriage relative to a maxillary jaw piece supported by the exerciser body. The position of engagement between the lever and the push rod is adjustable through selection of any one of a number of spaced slots that are formed in parallel webs of the lever structure.

Abstract: A quick-release maxillo-mandibular splint for patient jaw stabilization which includes a plurality of interfitting maxillary and mandibular connector plates which are adapted to be anchored in immovable relation with selected teeth of the patient. Each of the connector plates defines one or more connector elements which may be of tubular form and which are capable of being disposed in interengaging, aligned relation. A locking element such as a locking archwire is positioned with end portions thereof extending through the aligned tubular connector elements of the connector plates to thus retain the connector plates in immovable assembly to thus retain the jaw of the patient in properly occluded, immovable relation with the maxillary dental arch. In the event of an emergency requiring release of the maxillo-mandibular splint, the locking archwire is simply and efficiently forced from the tubular connector elements of the connector plates to thus permit movement of the patient's jaw.